#612 | Should Britain Abolish Jury Trials?

#612 | Should Britain Abolish Jury Trials?

From English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English by Leonardo English

May 21, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential abolition of jury trials in Britain and its implications for the justice system.

Who should decide if you are guilty: the state, or a group of 12 ordinary citizens? England is now considering getting rid of jury trials for thousands of cases. It would be the biggest change to the justice system since the Middle Ages. Crown Court backlog: years-long waits for trials. Government bill to limit juries for mid-level offences. Serious crimes still keep juries: murder, rape, terrorism. Legal community warns against losing a key safeguard. How jury trials work in England and Wales. England uses juries; Europe uses judge-led trials. History: Athens, Assize of Clarendon, Magna Carta. Purpose of juries: legitimacy, independence, protect against state power. Jury nullification shown: Penn, Ponting, Bristol Colston statue. Debate: efficiency versus rights, slippery slope concerns. Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/jury-trials --- You might like: 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists ✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube] 📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE…

People in this episode

Host: Leonardo English

Topics covered

  • jury trials
  • justice system
  • legal community
  • Crown Court backlog
  • efficiency versus rights
  • history of juries

Keywords

  • Learn English
  • vocabulary
  • lessons
  • idioms
  • jury trials
  • justice system
  • Crown Court
  • legal community
  • efficiency
  • rights

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Britain, England, Wales

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